Agricultural Training Centres (ATCs) promote crop and
livestock development by providing extension information
to farmers and serving as models of improved crop and
livestock husbandry practices. Although potato farmers in
Nyandarua County were trained on potato production technologies,
their average yield was ≤ 16 tonnes per hectare
compared to the national potential of 30 tonnes. This study
therefore sought to determine the effectiveness of ATCs’ curriculum
in promoting farmers’ adoption of selected potato
production technologies in Nyandarua County in Kenya. A
survey design was used. Primary data was collected from
136 farmers trained at ATCs on potato production using interview
schedules. The respondents were sampled through a
five-stage technique. The data was analysed using T-test and
ANOVA, then summarized into percentages. Study results
showed that adoption of recommended potato production
technologies produced high yields compared to traditional
technologies. It was therefore concluded that ATCs’ curriculum
was effective in promoting farmers’ adoption of potato seed
selection, planting, crop protection and harvesting technologies.
It is recommended that ATCs’ curriculum prioritise demonstrations
that show the influence of clean seed, fertilizer application,
timely harvesting and spacing on potato yields. Further,
campaigns should be held to educate farmers on the importance
of potato dehaulming to promote its adoption. In addition,
farmer-based seed production programs should be started in
the County aimed at ensuring ready availability of seed.